Checkatrade Reaction

Oxford United made it through to the knockout stages of the Checkatrade Trophy last night despite a 4-3 defeat against the MK Dons.

United went through as Runners Up in Group G and will now play away at the winners of Groups A, B C or D in the next round*.

It was a thrilling game at Grenoble Road with seven goals and chances for plenty more although Manager Pep Clotet told iFollow afterwards that he will be looking to learn lessons after conceding four times.

“It was too open” he said “especially when we managed to turn the game in our favour. But then it was too easy for them to score more goals; we need to be harder to break down.

“We were in a good position before the game because we won the first match and drew the second. We didn’t win this game but there were a lot of positives, although there were some mistakes as well. We are obviously missing that consistency that we need and now we have to work very hard to get it; we have shown before that we can do it. But it was a cup game and you know anything can happen in those.”

After FA Cup and Checkatrade Trophy games United now get back to the main business of Sky Bet League 1 when they welcome Northampton Town to Grenoble Road on Saturday

“We will take things from this game and build it up in to Saturday” Pep said. “We are in a good position in the league after our results in October so we want to get back to that form, especially for what is almost a local derby. Both clubs came up in to this division together, there are a lot of connections between the clubs, the fans are looking forward to it and there will be a good atmosphere. We are looking forward to that game and trying to get all three points."

* Should United be drawn against West Ham under 21s there is an option for the game to be played at home rather than away.